The India-Pakistan conflict escalated dramatically as India launched missile strikes against alleged terrorist camps in Kashmir and Punjab, killing 34 people. Pakistan denounced this as "an act of war" and promised retaliation, with Trump calling the situation "shameful" while China offered to mediate.

Simultaneously, the Papal conclave opened with morning mass and afternoon procession into the Sistine Chapel. At 16:30, the formal "Extra Omnes" declaration sealed 133 cardinal electors inside, with Cardinal Parolin reportedly leading among candidates. By evening, 45,000 faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square awaiting the first smoke signal, which eventually came as black smoke after 19:00, indicating no Pope was elected in the first vote.

Prime Minister Meloni addressed the Senate, announcing Italy would reach NATO's 2% GDP defense spending target in 2025 while emphasizing the need for a "European pillar of NATO" and expressing support for preferential voting.